Regrets were flickering deeply inside her mind.
What was right and what was wrong? Why did it seem two sides blurred together? Blurring what she should have done?
'That was the right thing to do.'
'How unpleasant.'
Even now, when Luna's body slumped to the ground, she wanted to change the outcome so badly, to change the path she had taken. This girl has committed a grave sin and hurt people dear to her. It was already enough that she betrayed her before, but now this girl dragged her friends into her silly grudge.
'I am cursed.' No matter how much of a normal life she lives, it does not change that she is cursed. She is a being that didn't deserve happiness.
The moment she finally grasps onto a small piece of happiness, it easily slips away. She cannot hold onto happiness, even if it is small and fleeting. Every time she feels happy, that joy does not last long, almost like it acts as a reminder of her sins.
'You do not deserve to be happy.'
She never asked to be a killer if her parent's accident never happened. She would never have stepped foot into this industry. Why would she? A life of blood and fear, why would anybody voluntarily choose this?
She had no choice; she didn't want to be indebted to Aki. Although Aki gave her the option, he may as well have forced her. But even more important than that, she wanted to fill the gap in her heart.
However, it was useless; no matter where she went, she would be treated as an outcast. Strength is everything in the underworld, but instead of gaining admiration for being strong, what she received was people fearing her.
If those people knew about her dreams of becoming a top idol, they would certainly laugh at her. There was a time when she believed that it would be enough as long as she worked hard. But these years in the underworld have taught her that no matter where she is, just putting in the effort isn't enough.
'I'm sorry.' That simple sentence might be enough to atone for some sins, yet she knew this wouldn't be enough. How many lives did she take with her own hands?
'I didn't mean to beat her so badly, but Luna kept taunting her. The more the girl spoke, the more I wanted to rip her to shreds until nothing is left.' Before she knew it, the girl was practically a living corpse covered in bruises and blood.
Yuhi told her previously that they are responsible for each life they take.
'They may be bad people who have committed terrible lives. But nobody deserves death. That is why, each life we take in the name of justice or a better cause, we have to remember them.'
Her gaze fell on the girl on the ground. Does she have to remember a person like this?
The irony of Yuhi giving her that type of advice when he was plotting somebody's death every day with no remorse. Yuhi didn't tell her much about his revenge until they became closer.
It surprised her that there was somebody he hated so much. But, when she heard that man had murdered his family. It only made sense for Yuhi to want revenge.
To her, Yuhi was her hope. Even with revenge on his mind, he could smile so brightly and laugh innocently. He had high hopes and dreams for the future.
There is a saying that only good people die young; the bad ones have to continue to live on to atone for their sins. They have to continue struggling and battling through life.
'Once a killer, always a killer.'
Even if she turned time back, Sumire knew she would have still chosen the same path.
Nothing would change, she would always be cursed, and that's how her story went; this wouldn't be the last time where she lost control. If she closes her eyes, perhaps she can forget it happened. Forget that once again, she stained her hands in this red.
Sumire recalled what Yuhi told her, and she laughed bitterly. Yuhi, how can you have desires towards something like her?
"Don't cry about it."
The voice belonged to Masaru.
"Masaru," Sumire mumbled as Masaru placed his cloak on top of her head. "I'm not crying"
He looks at her with eyes that clearly express that he doesn't believe her. Who is she kidding? She doesn't believe herself either. Eyes seem to want to figure her out but prevent him from doing so.
"Let's head back. You still have work to do. "
At those words, she extended her hand out and hit his head as realization hit her. "What on earth are you doing walking when you're hurt!"
"I wanted to see you fight for me. I got the chills." Masaru winked, and she sighed.
Why are all the guys around her so unusual?
"But," Masaru's gaze landed on Luna's lifeless body. "You didn't hesitate at all, did you? Did you hate her that much?"
That's not it at all. These days whenever she fights, she hears those voices inside her head. Those voices tell her that it will end if she disposes of this person.
"What happened to Asahi?" Sumire noticed that her friend was no longer around.
"She went to ask the principal permission for us to be here. Lady, you have another reason for coming here other than finding out what happened to us?"
"The guy who attacked me on the streets the other day wore a strange emblem." Sumire walked over to the half-dead Luna, who was gasping for air. She stepped on the girl's hands, and she screeched in pain.
Luna, who was clenching something in her hands, immediately let go. It was a small emblem similar to the one the man had previously attacked her.
What is with this symbol? Ru was acting very weird when he saw it before.
"I figured I would collect more of these and see if I can establish contact with any of their people."
As long as she has one of the emblems, it would be easy to infiltrate the enemy's stronghold. It doesn't appear like this symbol is unique per individual; it looks like the same ones she swiped from those people fighting Masato earlier. But it's better to keep them all just in case something is different.
"You're always taking such bold actions. I am surprised Mamoru-san isn't here."
"Ru doesn't always have to be with me."
"Oh, you're reacting sensitively. Did something happen?"
If she tells Masaru about Ru's unusual behavior towards her, Masaru will surely tell her the truth. But does she want to hear it? Maybe it's better to leave the situation as it is now. However, it's hard for her to act like everything is normal.
Has Ru always acted like that towards her? Has he always looked at her with those eyes?
Her thoughts broke off when Masaru cupped her cheeks. "-how interesting, you're making a face I have never seen before. Why don't you tell big brother what happened?"
Sumire sighed and pulled away from him. "What big brother, I'd hardly consider you as a sibling."
"Oh, that makes me happy. So lady, are you saying you see me as a man?"
'All the guys in nanairofeather like you.' Asahi's words echoed in her mind. So, it's like that after all? Although this isn't the first time Masaru has said something like this, now isn't the time. After speaking to Yuhi, she has strengthened her resolve too.